Western Free Press’ Brad Zinn interviews Charlie Ellis, announced candidate for the Phoenix City Council from District 5.
Western Free Press is dedicated to generating public dialogue on Arizona’s most important issues and figures.
Western Free Press Interviews Charlie Ellis, Phoenix City Council Candidate, District 5
July 27, 2011 By 4 Comments
Phoenix Councilman Bryan Jeffries makes “no perks – no pension” pledge
July 27, 2011 By 12 Comments
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 27, 2011
CONTACT: Bryan Jeffries
PHOENIX – Phoenix District 2 City Councilman Bryan Jeffries today issues his “No-Perks – No Pension Pledge” that is a first in Phoenix government:
He has given up all city hall benefits, including the state elected official’s pension that comes with the job.
“These are tough times for Phoenicians. People are struggling with loss of income, jobs and even to make their mortgage payments. I have not taken any of the city hall “perks” that come with being a city councilman, and I am making sure Phoenix taxpayers are not paying for a pension for me,” Jeffries said.
Since taking office as the appointed replacement for the District 2 council seat vacancy, Councilman Jeffries has declined the health insurance, smart mobile phone and other “perks” normally allocated to each city council member. Since state law does not allow dropping out of the state elected official pension system, Councilman Jeffries has asked the City Manager to provide the bill for the city’s portion of the pension cost for him so he can write a check back to the city treasury.
“There’s a lot of follower-ship in politics today. My step is to set the bar for service on a citizens’ council and provide leadership by taking the step to save taxpayer money,” Jeffries emphasized.
Councilman Jeffries has already reduced the city council office expenditures by 67% since taking office. He has switched neighborhood meetings to Saturdays, using city fire stations for pancake breakfasts, meeting constituents during their off time.
“The pancake breakfasts allow families to come, meet their city hall representatives in their neighborhood, meet other neighbors, and I am doing it with either donations or out of my pocket, not the taxpayer’s money,” the District 2 councilman said.
Bryan Jeffries is the only Phoenix City Council member or candidate for Council to give back the perks and pension.
The “Jeffries Pledge” is”
I, Bryan Jeffries, as your City Councilman, recognize these are hard times for Phoenicians. People across our city have lost income, jobs, benefits and many are struggling to make their mortgage or rent payments.
I am giving back all the “city hall perks” – Phoenix taxpayers will not be paying for an elected official pension, health care, cell phone or other “perks” that Phoenix council members get. I am giving it back because during hard times, it sets the bar of leadership to simply do my part and help out.
I am not a career politician and I don’t need the elected official pension benefit. This is supposed to be a citizens’ council. It does not make sense to get more than other citizens have during tough times.
Each Council member and candidate has their own decision to make on the perks. This is how I will lead for District 2 neighbors.
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Janet Contreras Interview on KFNX 1100AM
July 26, 2011 By Leave a Comment
In case you missed it, here is the recent interview of Phoenix City Council candidate, Janet Contreras conducted by host David Campbell of KFNX 11 AM.
Janet has always been one of my favorite candidates because she is the real thing – a hard-working mom who has a passion for saving the Republic at all levels of government. She is a fiscal and social conservative who we can count on to hold the line and do the right thing.
Next week when your early ballot arrives, be sure to vote for Janet Contreras for Phoenix City Council, District 7!
DiCiccio Endorses Peggy Neely
July 19, 2011 By 3 Comments
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 19, 2011
CONTACT: Paul Bentz
Neely for Mayor continues to build governing coalition
Phoenix – Today, Councilmember Sal DiCiccio joined the growing chorus of supporters for Peggy Neely and “The Phoenix We Want.”
“I am so pleased to have my former colleague Councilmember DiCiccio join Councilmember Johnson in support of my bid for mayor,” said Peggy Neely, “I am proud that the people who have worked with me in the trenches to support our quality city and begin the process of reform are giving me their vote of confidence to help preserve what is best about Phoenix. I am looking forward to working with them to build a coalition dedicated to improving our city.”
Councilmember Sal DiCiccio, representing District 6, stated, “Peggy Neely has a strong track record standing up for the taxpayers of Phoenix – not the unions and city hall special interests. I fully endorse Peggy. She is the right person who will make reforms that put taxpayers first and create more transparency; and Peggy will repeal the food tax – the same tax used for pay raises and bonuses to government employees. Phoenix gave huge pay raises and cut services to kids and seniors and we both believe that is wrong. Peggy and I don’t see eye to eye on every issue, but we both care about the people of Phoenix and believe we can be much better.”
“As Mayor, you must build a solid governing coalition based on working well with your fellow councilmembers,” concluded former Mayor Skip Rimsza, “Peggy Neely is proving she can bring people together to find solutions. She is building a strong coalition for the City of Phoenix dedicated to serving the taxpayers.”
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Peggy Neely Pledges to Repeal Food Tax
July 14, 2011 By 1 Comment
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 14, 2011
CONTACT: Paul Bentz
Pullen: Neely the Best Candidate for Fiscal Reform
PHOENIX – Last year, Peggy Neely opposed the food tax and voted against the budget because of the lack of transparency. Today, Neely pledged to repeal the food tax – a move supported by former Arizona Republican Party Chairman and former candidate for Phoenix Mayor, Randy Pullen.
“Peggy Neely is the best candidate to promote fiscal reform,” said Pullen, “Employee pay raises have been given in a time of national and local austerity while city services have been cut. It is time for someone to shine a light on the budget process and make sure that City Hall is serving the taxpayers instead of themselves. Peggy is the right person to get the job done.”
“The food tax was proposed on a Monday and voted on a Tuesday,” said Neely, “Revenue was found to fill the budget hole before other alternatives were even offered. It is time to repeal the food tax and give Phoenix citizens an honest budget that protects the services that are important to our residents and lives within our means.”
Peggy Neely has proposed extensive budget reforms in her comprehensive policy plan titled “The Phoenix We Want,” which includes zero-based budgeting, finding efficiencies within all departments, regionalization of public services, and other cost savings.
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Waring Receives Endorsement of Arizona Conference of Police and Sheriffs
June 22, 2011 By 2 Comments
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 22, 2011
CONTACT: Jim Waring
Waring Receives Endorsement of Arizona Conference of Police and Sheriffs
Organization for police cites Waring’s “Unwavering Support for Public Safety”
PHOENIX, AZ – Jim Waring, Republican Candidate for Phoenix City Council, today proudly announced that his campaign has been endorsed by the Arizona Conference of Police and Sheriffs (AZCOPS).
Larry Lopez, President of AZCOPS, cited Jim Waring’s “unwavering support for public safety issues.”
“I am very pleased and honored to receive this endorsement,” said Waring. “Public safety has always been a top issue for me in public life, and it will continue to be a top priority for me when I represent my neighbors on the Phoenix City Council.”
Waring has previously received numerous accolades for his work on behalf of public safety. Aside from being a graduate of the Phoenix Citizens’ Police Academy, Waring was the Men’s Anti-Violence Network’s Man of the Year, and authored the state’s toughest DUI laws, which has reduced fatalities related to drinking and driving.
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Jim Waring is the Republican candidate for Phoenix City Council in District 2. He previously served in the Arizona State Senate from 2003 – 2010, where he was named Champion of the Taxpayer for his efforts to reign in government spending and reduce waste.
Sal DiCiccio vs. Phil Gordon on food tax money used for employee raises, bonuses
June 9, 2011 By 2 Comments
Watch this exchange as Democratic Mayor Phil Gordon calls Republican Phoenix City Councilman Sal DiCiccio a “child” as DiCiccio attempted to answer a question posed by Mayor Gordon.
This came as Sal DiCiccio was drawing attention to the fact that the City of Phoenix imposed a tax on food and then used that money to reward city employees with raises and bonuses!
Here is that exchange:
Mayor Gordon and Councilman DiCiccio Spar in Budget Meeting: MyFoxPHOENIX.com
This is all the more reason why Phoenix residents need to elect new council members this year!
Pol-Parazzi: Recently Seen Around Town and Beyond
June 5, 2011 By 1 Comment
We haven’t posted photos of Arizona politicians in action for some time and with the Phoenix City Council race in full swing, maybe it’s time to see whose out and about around town (and beyond.)
If you’d like to share your photos of Arizona politicians on the move, please send them to sonoranalliance@gmail.com.
Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu is surrounded by supporters at a golf tournament for the sheriff.
GOP activist Kellie Greene poses with Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu at a special appreciate luncheon to Babeu in Arizona City / Eloy. The luncheon was organized by Janet Lopas and JoAnne Waszak of Pinal County Sheriff's COPS (Citizens on Patrol).
Sheriff Paul Babeu also spoke to the Thunder Mountain Republican Women.
Phoenix mayoral candidate, Jennifer Wright meeting with voters in northwest Phoenix.
Phoenix District One Council candidates and mayoral candidate, Jennifer Wright pose for a group shot at a gathering in northwest Phoenix.
Phoenix City Councilwoman Thelda Williams and council candidate challenger Gary Whalen listen to another candidate speak at a northwest Phoenix gathering.
Sheriff Joe Arpaio ventured to Humble, Texas to endorse Harris County Sheriff candidate Carl Pittman in a special event called a "Gathering of Patriots." For more about Carl Pittman, please go to CarlforSheriff.com.
